Start Here: Is It an Emergency?
If your shutter is stuck open and your premises are unsecured, stop reading and call us immediately on 01708 902 799. An unsecured commercial premises is a security emergency that requires immediate professional attendance, not troubleshooting.
If your shutter is stuck closed and you cannot access your premises, and cannot wait for a scheduled appointment, that is also an emergency call. We operate 24 hours a day.
Note what the shutter was doing before it stopped working. Was it making an unusual noise? Did it stop mid-travel or fail to start at all? Did it happen suddenly or has it been getting worse? This information helps our engineers diagnose the fault faster when they attend.
Check 1: Power Supply
Before assuming a motor fault, check the power supply to the shutter. Electric roller shutters are typically connected to a dedicated circuit. Check:
- The fuse or circuit breaker for the shutter circuit in your distribution board, has it tripped?
- Whether other electrical equipment on the same circuit is working
- Whether the power to the control panel is live, most panels have an indicator light
- Whether there has been a wider power cut or outage on your premises
A tripped circuit breaker is a common cause of apparent motor failure and costs nothing to fix. Reset the breaker and try the shutter again. If the breaker trips again immediately, there is an electrical fault that needs a qualified engineer.
Check 2: The Control Panel
Look at the wall-mounted control panel. Most panels show a status indicator, a light or display that tells you whether the system is powered and operational. If the panel is completely dead, the issue is likely the power supply (see above) or a failed panel rather than the motor itself.
If the panel is powered but the shutter isn't responding, try the following:
- Press the open button firmly, some panels require a deliberate press rather than a light touch
- Check that the panel isn't in a locked or maintenance mode (some panels have a key switch)
- Look for any error codes or flashing indicators on the panel display
Check 3: The Remote Control
If you normally operate the shutter by remote, the remote itself may be the issue rather than the shutter. Try the wall-mounted panel buttons instead. If the shutter responds to the panel but not the remote, the issue is the remote or its receiver, both of which we can replace on site.
If you have spare batteries, try replacing them in the remote before concluding it has failed.
Check 4: Obstructions
Check the guide rails and the track for any visible obstructions, debris, stock, a misplaced box, or anything that could be preventing the curtain from moving. Also check that the bottom rail hasn't been pushed or knocked out of alignment, which can cause the shutter to bind.
Check 5: Manual Override
Most electric roller shutters have a manual override, usually a hand-crank mechanism accessed through the motor housing or a separate access point. The override allows you to operate the shutter manually in the event of motor or power failure.
Never force the manual override if you feel significant resistance. Forcing a shutter that is mechanically jammed can cause serious damage to the curtain, guide rails, and drive mechanism. If the override doesn't move freely, stop and call an engineer.
When to Stop and Call an Engineer
Stop troubleshooting and call us if:
- The shutter makes a grinding, clunking, or unusual noise when you try to operate it
- The motor runs but the shutter doesn't move
- The shutter starts moving then stops, this often indicates a thermal overload or limit switch issue
- The shutter has visibly come off the guide rails (derailed curtain)
- You can see physical damage to the curtain, slats, or guide rails
- The manual override won't move, or moves with extreme effort
- The circuit breaker trips again after resetting
Describe the fault and what you observed before the shutter stopped working. This helps us dispatch the right engineer with the right parts. We provide a no-obligation quote before the engineer attends, and most faults are diagnosed and repaired on the first visit.
We operate 24 hours a day across all of Essex. Call your nearest local number for the fastest response.
The Most Common Causes of a Shutter Not Opening
- Motor failure, the most common cause. Motors fail through heavy use, age, or power surges. Usually repairable or replaceable in a single visit.
- Capacitor failure, a failed run capacitor prevents the motor from starting. One of the most economical motor repairs.
- Limit switch fault, limit switches tell the motor when to stop. If they fail, the shutter may not operate at all. Easily replaced on site.
- Broken spring, on manual shutters, broken springs make the curtain extremely heavy or inoperable. This requires a qualified engineer.
- Derailed curtain, the curtain has slipped from the guide rails. Requires professional refitting.
- Control system fault, panel, wiring, or receiver unit failure preventing commands from reaching the motor.
For more detail on repair costs, see our Roller Shutter Repair Cost Guide.